SPHERE
#41
2016
19
practice. “While we welcome people of all
ages to become a member of our volunteer
family, many of them are retired persons.
They are happy to have the opportunity to
rediscover their self-worth,” he says.
A BELL RINGS OUT TO BLESS MANKIND
The 2015 New Year’s Eve Bell Ceremony
event was attended by some 1,500
participants. While the outside world was
raucously celebrating the countdown,
the people at the monastery turned
the festivity into silent blessings for all
mankind and the universe as the bell rang
at midnight.
Whether engaging with the monks and
counsellors in the heart of Hong Kong or
considering the generous countenance of
Guan Yin in the countryside, the faithful
and the curious find that the Tsz Shan
Monastery brings a deep spiritual boon to
those seeking peace in a hectic world.
INITIATION
The Tsz Shan Monastery project
was initiated in December 2003 by
Mr Li Ka-shing. At the height of Hong
Kong’s economic hardship during the
SARS scare, Mr Li wanted to turn his
passion and dedication to Buddhism
and Dharma into a monastery built
for those seeking peace in a frantic
world. The Most Venerable Kok Kwong,
the late president of the Hong Kong
Buddhist Association, agreed to take
on the position as Chairman of the
Board of the monastery after hearing
the proposal from Mr Li.
The project was fully financed by the
Li Ka Shing Foundation. Up to 2015,
Mr Li had contributed more than
HKD2 billion through his personal
foundation for the development and
operation of the monastery.
<<
Ancient beliefs, modern engagement. The monks are on the hills, in the city and in the hearts of Hong Kong.
a daily limit of 400 public visitors, and
around 200 additional places offered to
local non-governmental organisations.
On special occasions, the gate will also
be opened to larger groups of adherents.
By October 2016, after receiving the public
for more than a year, the monastery had
hosted more than 400,000 visitors and
programme participants.
“The ambience is crucial to our beliefs
since we encourage teaching Buddhist
values through the surrounding
atmosphere,” the Abbot says, echoing
Professor Ho. “But the ambience is also
generated from your inner self and changes
accordingly; that is why we also stress the
enlightenment of oneself.”
The Venerable Thong Hong explains that
the monastery is also about empowerment,
and its 800-strong volunteer community
demonstrates that idea. It aims to promote
the ideal of “virtuous living” – to study
the Dharma while putting learning into
